Get ready to dive into the unforgiving depths of an icy alien world in Darkwater, a cooperative extraction horror game that throws a daring twist on underwater survival. Developed by Targon Studios and published by Playstack, it is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat from the moment your submarine’s metal hull creaks under the crushing pressure of the deep.
Enter the Depths: Introduction to Darkwater
There is something spine-chilling about being trapped beneath a sheet of ice, especially on a planet that is not your own. Darkwater wastes no time in plunging you into that exact scenario. The setup is straightforward: you and up to three other players find yourselves commanding a submarine in hostile waters. From the very first mission, every resource, every choice, and every bit of teamwork matters. The environment oozes fear, thanks to the abandoned structures and monstrous creatures that lurk in every corner. Through it all, the developers maintain a narrative that revolves around a mysterious disease outbreak and a strict government quarantine, making these submerged halls feel both lonely and full of secrets.
Mastering the Submarine: Operational Tactics
In Darkwater, the submarine is more than a vehicle; it’s the centerpiece of your survival strategy. Learning to control and optimize every system on board is one of the game’s biggest thrills. You’ll monitor sonar to detect looming threats, load torpedoes to fend off enemy subs, launch harpoons, deploy decoy mines to distract predators, and even dive headlong into the action with manned torpedoes.
Targon Studios has built a system where each team member can juggle different roles. One player manages sonar and communications, while another keeps an eye on ammunition or ensures fuel levels are stable. Somebody else might be ready at the harpoon console in case a deep-sea monster tries to latch onto the hull. This chain of responsibilities is where the cooperative spirit really comes into play. One misstep—a missed sonar ping, a misaligned torpedo shot—and you could end up at the bottom of this alien sea.
The Joy—and Terror—of Cooperation
This is a game that begs to be played with friends. Whether you’re planning cunning ways to evade enemies or screaming at each other when the lights flicker and an unknown force slams against your vessel, Darkwater forces teamwork in every moment. Playing the game solo is absolutely possible, but with up to four players coordinating everything from submarine direction to how to split up resources, you’ll find that success often hinges on how in sync your crew is.
Clinging to Life: Resource Management and Survival
No submarine adventure is complete without limited resources, and Darkwater makes that scarcity a focal point. Fuel is precious, credits determine the upgrades you can afford, and the dungeons you explore hold crucial loot that might keep you breathing for one more expedition. On top of that, the risk of stepping into these depths unprepared is high: if you run out of fuel with enemy ships lurking, it could be a one-way ticket to a watery grave. Balancing your credits between more robust weaponry or additional sonar enhancements becomes a constant, nerve-racking decision.
Into the Underwater Unknown: Deep-Sea Dungeons
Darkwater also features deep-sea dungeons that appear in random configurations each time you venture out. These aren’t your average pop-in, loot, and pop-out affairs, either. You might come across an abandoned hospital crawling with infected divers or factories where alien creatures slink around, waiting for unsuspecting prey. Because these dungeons are procedurally generated, the layout you memorized one day can morph into something else the next. That unpredictability layer is part of the game’s core excitement.
It’s easy to get lost in these chilling places. The corridors are dark and dripping, natural hazards might block your path, and cryptic notes or clues about the quarantine ramp up the mystery. You aren’t just scavenging for resources; you’re also piecing together the story of what happened here. Sometimes, a simple dock to repair your sub can turn into a terrifying detour if a monstrous presence is lurking in the shadows.
Meet the Monsters: Threats and Encounters
The enemies stalking the depths of Darkwater are relentless. One minute, a rival submarine crew might sneak up on you, launching torpedoes with lethal precision. The next, a deep-sea abomination can rise from the blackness in front of your viewport, jaws unhinged. Enemy subs demand cunning naval combat skills. Meanwhile, the alien horrors require a mix of stealth, aggression, and sometimes just plain luck.
Unearthing Secrets: Narrative and Setting
Beyond combat, Darkwater has a narrative that quietly permeates every corridor and cockpit. A mysterious disease has driven entire stations to quarantine, and you’re caught in the middle, forced to navigate the aftermath. The ocean floor might harbor more clues about the illness than you’d expect, including logs left behind by frantic survivors and hints of government cover-ups.
Gearing Up: Progression and Customization
RPG-inspired upgrades and persistent submarine customization make Darkwater a gift that keeps on giving. As you rack up credits, you can improve torpedoes for more punch, install better sonar to spot enemies earlier, or even invest in advanced hull plating to resist heavy punishment. These choices lend themselves to distinct playstyles: maybe you want to specialize in stealth, or perhaps you’re all about powering up your weapons and charging headfirst into confrontation.
On the Horizon: Darkwater’s Future Content
One of the most intriguing aspects is Darkwater’s Early Access roadmap, launching April 22, 2025. Targon Studios intends to expand upon the game throughout the year, consistently adding new monstrosities, tools, and environmental hazards. That means every few months, you might discover an all-new alien threat or more advanced submarine modules. For a title that already promises countless hours of exploration, this ongoing support ensures no two journeys through the deep need ever be the same.
When Does Darkwater Come Out?
Steam Early Access begins on April 22, 2025. This release date serves as the official call for submarine captains everywhere to gather their crew and brace themselves for the unknown. I can’t wait to see the final polish on the game’s naval combat system and the next wave of environmental threats once the initial wave of players starts exploring the ice-encrusted ocean. Targon Studios has been pretty open about their plan to use player feedback to influence development, so even after the Early Access release, there’s a chance we’ll see the world of Darkwater transform in remarkable ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of game is Darkwater?
Darkwater is a cooperative extraction horror game that combines submarine simulation, survival, and horror elements. Set beneath the frozen ocean of an alien planet, you and up to three other players must command a submarine, manage resources, and face off against both monstrous sea creatures and enemy crews.
Is Darkwater single-player or multiplayer?
Darkwater supports both single-player and online co-op multiplayer for up to four players. While it is possible to play solo, the game is designed around team-based survival, and the experience is enhanced when players coordinate their submarine roles together.
How does progression work in Darkwater?
Players earn credits through missions to upgrade and customize their submarine. Improvements include advanced torpedoes, enhanced sonar systems, and reinforced hulls. These upgrades persist across runs, giving players long-term goals and allowing for personalized playstyles.
What are deep-sea dungeons, and how do they work?
Deep-sea dungeons are procedurally generated environments encountered throughout the game. Each visit presents a new layout and set of challenges, such as abandoned hospitals with infected enemies or alien-infested factories. These areas offer valuable resources and narrative insights—but also house deadly threats.
What types of threats will players encounter?
Darkwater features a variety of threats, including rival submarine crews and horrific deep-sea monsters. Combat involves naval tactics, stealth, and sometimes sheer luck as you manage sonar systems, launch torpedoes, and fight for survival in the pitch-black ocean depths.
When will Darkwater be available to play?
Darkwater launches in Steam Early Access on April 22, 2025. Targon Studios plans to frequently update the game with new content, including enemies, tools, and dungeons throughout the year following its initial release.
How does teamwork affect gameplay?
Teamwork is vital in Darkwater. Each player takes on specific submarine roles—such as sonar operator, weapons manager, or engineer—which must work in harmony to avoid disaster. Miscommunication or poor coordination can lead to catastrophic outcomes beneath the alien ice.
